Dear Pawfectly Delicious Community,

There's no greater feeling than the sense of belonging, being part of something bigger than yourself and knowing that others share your goals and want you to succeed. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines "community" as "a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals." We all belong to some form of community, whether it's religious, social, or based on shared interests like books, pickleball, athletics, or even the dreaded HOA. We gravitate towards communities where we feel a vested interest or share something in common with others.

When the idea to start a nonprofit to provide employment opportunities for my disabled son and others like him began to take shape in 2015, the only community I felt connected to was that of parents raising children with special needs. I didn't seek out this community; I became a member when my husband and I acknowledged that our parenting journey would be different from that of our friends and family raising children without disabilities. I didn't want to be part of the disability community; I wanted to be part of the community without IEPs, endless PT, Speech and OT sessions, medical research trials, specialists, chemo, surgeries, stares, and most of all, isolation. I didn't realize then that the community I dreaded was the caterpillar waiting to blossom into a butterfly.

Without the encouragement, love, and support from so many families, friends, and organizations within the special needs community, Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats would have remained a dream, held back by my fear of failure, reluctance to acknowledge that I can do hard things, and self-doubt about whether anyone would find value in our mission. I am profoundly grateful to the many people who believed in this idea and joined forces with us to turn it into a real mission-driven social enterprise. Our customers, retail partners, community partners, donors, businesses, and foundations who provide financial support have made it possible to grow our team from four volunteer employees to 12 paid employees in just a few short years. Most importantly, the dog-loving community has embraced Pawfectly Delicious, and the support we've received from the Del Ray Business Association, choosing Pawfectly Delicious as the 2025 beneficiary for the Del Ray Dog Fest, is a testament to this.

There's no greater feeling than knowing that others value your mission and see the intrinsic benefit of the mission through its impact on the people served. We hope you'll set aside Sunday, April 6, 2025, to attend the Del Ray Dog Fest—a fun outdoor event featuring dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors, and food—and show your support for Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats and the dog-loving community of the DMV. Tickets are available HERE.

When communities come together to share their generosity and uplift others, the positive impact is felt by all. This spirit of giving not only benefits everyone but also touches hearts and inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Anne